Top 5 Facts about Autism
Autism is growing at a faster rate in the United States than any other developmental disability– it's common enough that even Sesame Street has started teaching kids about it. Welcome to WatchMojo's Top 5 Facts. Today, we'll be looking at the spectrum disorder known as autism.
Special thanks to our users Shawn Mark and Vix for submitting the idea on our Interactive Suggestion Tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
Top 5 Intriguing Facts About Autism
Top 5 Facts About Gal Gadot: The New Wonder Woman
Autism is growing at a faster rate in the United States than any other developmental disability– it’s common enough that even Sesame Street has started teaching kids about it. Welcome to WatchMojo’s Top 5 Facts. Today, we’ll be looking at the spectrum disorder known as autism.
#5: There’s Gender Bias in Diagnosing Autism
Top 5 Myths About Autism - Debunked!
When it comes to studying autism, boys seem to get all the attention. That’s because many researchers see autism as a predominantly male disorder and use tools designed to observe male behavior. Boys are diagnosed at an earlier age, and the diagnosis ratio for boys compared to girls is 4-to-1. To make matters worse, one study finds that even when a boy and girl’s autism symptoms are equally severe, the girl is less likely to be diagnosed. This makes it harder for autistic girls to access resources such as early intervention therapy.
#4: Horses Are Good Emotional Therapy for Autism
Learn About Horses! - UNCAGED with Joey & The Sloth
Working with horses can have therapeutic effects on autistic children. The immersive experience of horseback-riding improves focus and motor-control, while the powerful bond that develops between horse and rider can draw the child out of isolation, having a strong effect on self-esteem and mood. One theory as to why autistic children bond so well with horses is that both can have a very detail oriented visual thought process, which is to say they think in pictures. This theory was proposed by none other than Dr. Temple Grandin, who is herself autistic and known for her groundbreaking work with animals.
#3: No One Knows What Causes Autism
Top 10 Inspirational People With Autism and Asperger Syndrome
But there may be environmental factors which contribute to it. A study conducted by Arizona State University found the blood of autistic children contained higher levels of toxic metals than that of children who did not have autism. Another study suggests that BPA in plastic could be a link. Having lupus or another autoimmune disorder might slightly increase the chances of giving birth to a child with autism, as does having a serious infection during pregnancy. Researchers at the Cold Harbor Spring Laboratory believe the cause could be genetic mutations which affect as many as 200 genes. However, we do know one thing for sure
#2: There Is No Link between the MMR Vaccine and Autism
A 2015 study showed that among 95,000 children who were given the measles-mumps-rubella (or MMR) vaccine, there was no increased risk in developing autism, even among those who had autistic siblings. Despite the fact that the 1998 report that linked the MMR vaccine with autism has been repeatedly debunked, many parents are still afraid to let their kids receive the shot. Between 1999 and 2000, there was a 2% drop in the number of MMR vaccines given to children. Interestingly enough, college educated mothers are more likely to avoid giving their child the vaccine than mothers with less education.
#1: Autism is Costly
Top 10 Inspirational Characters on the Autism Spectrum
And no, most autistic people can’t just go to Vegas and count cards. The University of Pennsylvania found that in the US and the UK the lifetime costs associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder are equivalent to 1.4 million US dollars. That number goes up to 2.4 million if they have also have an intellectual disability. Most of those costs are attributed to supplemental care and education, and to the lost productivity and wages of parents who look after their autistic children. According to UC Davis economists, these autism-related costs total 268 billion US dollars in 2015 and are expected to skyrocket to 461 billion dollars by 2025. So, what did we leave out? What do you think is the most interesting thing about ASD? For more neurodiverse Top 10s and excellent driver Top 5s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
